The New York Yankees were struggling through a skid, and Brian Cashman, the general manager, needed a life raft, which he found in Pittsburgh. In a trade deadline deal, the Yankees acquired two-time All-Star closer David Bednar from the Pirates. In return, the deal shipped a package of prospects, including catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores, to Pittsburgh. Flores, the Yanks’ No. 8 prospect, had major defensive issues. The other two, Edgleen Perez and Brian Sanchez, were long-term lottery tickets. It was a move to save the Yankees’ season, but the real story was yet to unfold.
David Bednar, following a brief demotion to Triple-A to begin the year, had been somewhere close to unhittable this season. Since he came back late in April, the hometown hero posted a 1.70 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 37 innings. He was a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities, and at one point reeled off a string of 23 appearances without allowing an earned run. He was the linchpin of the Pirates’ bullpen. But the way he learned of his departure from Pittsburgh was shocking.
At his introductory interview with the Yankees, Bednar was questioned about how he discovered the trade. His answer was honest. “I found out on uh social media before it broke,” he confessed. This surprising admission was quickly shared by an X account by the name Jason Shetler, who wrote, “David Bednar said he found out on social media that he was traded. Neither Don Kelly or Ben Cherington informed him. Real classy organization.”
David Bednar said he found out on social media that he was traded. Neither Don Kelly or Ben Cherington informed him. Real classy organization pic.twitter.com/2Ep5hZOREz
— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) August 2, 2025
When pressed further about how he confirmed the report, Bednar added, “I called my agent and just kind of talked to some other people and uh, you know, then got the uh, the confirmation a little bit later.” So, rather than a call from his GM or manager, Bednar got the most important information from the internet. For many fans, it wasn’t just a slip-up; it was a sign of disrespect.
Fans slam the Pirates’ ownership
“David did a lot for the community as well as the Bucs. Glad to see Nutting appreciated his contributions outside the game….what a dumpster fire organization. Good luck, David, you deserve a shot with a contender,” wrote a fan. Bednar, a graduate of nearby Mars Area High School, wasn’t just another player; he was the local kid who embraced being a Pirate. The way he has been treated seems to have earned the Pirates the “dumpster fire” label.
The fans have witnessed a series of self-inflicted PR nightmares by the Pirates in recent times. Those include removing a sign honoring the franchise icon Roberto Clemente for a seltzer ad and tearing out fan-funded memorial bricks without notice.
“What a Fn disgrace. How does GMBC not tell him we’re about to cross the finish line and want to let you know first… How tf do they keep one-upping their own ineptitude???” wrote another fan, zeroing in on General Manager Ben Cherington (GMBC) and slamming the front office for incompetence. For several other fans as well, the trail of the blame led directly to the top. “It’s absolutely f–king insane this the POS Bob Nutting @Pirates does this ot a literal hometown kid. I stg the @MLB needs to step in and force Nutting to sell the team. It’s literally a disgrace, and there’s literally nothing the fans can do. SELL THE FKN TEAM BOB,” another netizen chimed in, echoing the same sentiment.
Well, GM Ben Cherington defended the Bednar trade return, saying, “We had access to players who were ranked higher..We did, and we preferred this package.” But clearly, not everyone agrees. “Pirates organization absolutely sucks!” one more X user commented. Several other comments were on similar lines. “Pathetic organization is more like it,” wrote one fan. Well, it’s safe to say the handling of the Bednar trade situation further alienated the Pirates fanbase, which is already weary of the team’s perpetual rebuilding.
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